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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) – President Rodrigo Duterte called on parents to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) ongoing immunization campaign against vaccine-preventable diseases as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 health crisis.
In a video message Monday, Duterte asked parents of children under the age of five to vaccinate their children against measles, rubella and polio.
“The most important lesson we are learning from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is that the health risks posed by the spread of communicable diseases must be seriously addressed,” the president said.
On October 26, DOH began conducting a nationwide immunization program against all three diseases to prevent a potential measles outbreak in 2021 and stop the recirculation of polio in communities.
The campaign has two phases, the first phase will be carried out until November 25 in the Regions of Mindanao, Administrative Region of Cordillera, Region of Ilocos, Region of Valle de Cagayán, MIMAROPA and Region of Bicol. Meanwhile, the second phase will begin in February 2021 in the Visayas, National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon Regions.
According to DOH, children ages nine to 59 months will receive the measles and rubella vaccine, while children ages zero to 59 months will receive the oral polio vaccine.
The department previously said there will be no door-to-door immunization, but guardians can vaccinate children at health centers, hospitals or temporary facilities that will be established.
“Together, let’s protect the well-being of our children and ensure a healthier future for our nation,” Duterte said, also calling on local officials and other community stakeholders to support the DOH initiative.
Measles or “tigdas” is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It can cause high fever, rash, cough, eye infection, and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infection, blindness, severe diarrhea, and inflammation of the brain.
Polio, on the other hand, is a potentially debilitating disease that causes fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, and can eventually lead to lifelong paralysis. There is no treatment for this disease, but the only reliable protection is through vaccination.
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